Koh Kae Spicy Hot Pot Peanuts Mala: Purchased from HMart in Midtown, this can of peanuts has a uniquely spiced chili flavor that actually does taste similar to a schezuan-style hot pot. It’s savory but not overly spicy, with just enough heat. The roasted peanuts themselves were pretty ordinary, but the seasoning makes them worth trying. 3.0/5.0

Kind Pomegranate Blueberry Pistachhio bar: Kind bars have a consistent quality - once you’ve had one, you know what you’re getting yourself into. Here, we have a mix of crunchy whole pistachio and almonds with dried fruit, all bonded together with a sticky glaze and several types of grains for texture. It was a bit hard to bite into (more crunchy than chewy), which made me a little nervous for my teeth. Overall, decent but doesn’t quite pass the threshold for recommended. 3.0/5.0

Larabar Cashew Cooki Bar: Containing two ingredients (dates and cashews) this minimalist bar had a soft texture somewhere between a cookie and an energy bar. I found the flavor to be off, not because it was either too sweet or savory, since the flavors together simply did not taste particularly good. This is the first time I’ve had a Larabar, and given the experience, probably the last. 2.0/5.0

Trader Joe's Grand Slam: I think I bought this snack because its color scheme reminded me of Boston, but its mix of caramel corn and nuts is far too sweet that it actually makes your teeth hurt. Also, no toy inside, so Cracker Jack has it beat. 2.0/5.0

Cheeseboard Sticky Bun: I wouldn't say I have a sweet tooth, but I can enjoy sweet things. I definitely have a preference, though, for lighter desserts. This sticky bun from Cheeseboard falls on the opposite end of the spectrum. Soaked with a buttery glaze and topped with chopped pecans, it's the type of sweet that will actually induce a physical reaction, as your body and teeth rejects what it knows is not good for it. Because the sticky bun is from Cheeseboard, I have some confidence in the quality of the ing... (read more)2.0/5.0